Should Special Needs Students be mainstreamed in order to break the stigna associated w/ learning disablities?

Answer 1

That should not be the reason to mainstream special needs children, that is the benefit of mainstreaming. In theory, there should be no discrimination and all children should be entitled to a place in a classroom that includes a bell curve random mix of all children. The disabled are another minority, but one that may require more intensive services. If class sizes were smaller (15-17 or so) and teachers had assistants and push in consultants and/or special education teachers, disabled children might succeed. If gifted and other students can help the disabled as part of their own growth and education, all the better. It seems that the current education options don't allow the attention the disabled children need, so they will continue to be segregated...And since they are segregated, the stigma (discrimination and prejudice) will continue-especially among parents of typical children (Not In My Child's Classroom). Sad.

Answer 2

The problem with that, is that special needs students have special needs. When you put them into a mainstream classroom, that special care has to come from somewhere. Unless the class size is adjusted to give the teacher extra time to work with a special needs student, it means that someone else, or the entire class, is getting shortchanged on their education. A different way to break the stigma is to include special need students in academic achievement awards and recognition.
And to rotate mainstream students through the special needs classes, so they can understand just what the special needs students have to go through in order to achieve what mainstream students get so easily.

Answer 3

I think that the educational system needs to consider many things before deciding to mainstream. While the stigma or social needs of children should be considered, the biggest issue should be the academic needs of ALL students.

However, the law, under IDEA, says that all students are entitled to the least restrictive environment which generally involved mainstreaming or inclusion.

Answer 4

Mainstreaming sounds like it would be great...in an ideal world.

For certain subjects, it can be a good idea. However, I've had experience with mainstreaming and it can actually put special needs students at a disadvantage. If they need extra help and there isn't enough time for the teacher to give them extra attention, they can get left behind. Unfortunately, its sad but sometimes true. (There isn't always funding for aides or smaller classrooms.)

Answer 5

The LRE (or least restrictive environment) should be what is best for each individual person with disabilities and how/where their needs are met. I believe that children should spend AT LEAST part of their time with their non-disabled peers. HOWEVER, if can benefit the most from a separate classroom for some or most of the day then that is where they should be...it depends on what each child needs and the IEP should be developed accordingly.